Mexicans Feature (1961-1971)

Our special thanks to original member Tony
Killeen for his assistance, photos and info on the band's history.

The Mexicans were
one of those showbands that played an important role in the showband
era's history without ever reaching the dizzying heights of other
bands like the Royal, Capitol or Miami. Started around 1961, the
band came together around founder Alan Cranny (guitar). More to come
shortly......

The band featured a very young Tina
before she went on to fame as the lead singer with the Nevada and as
a solo artist. Tina left the band to join the newly formed Jim
Farley and the Tophatters in 1968 when T.J. Byrne gave the band the
residency in the new Top Hat Ballroom in Dun Laoghaire. It was there
that she met and married drummer Dessie Reynolds.

In January, 1969, the band received a shock
when manager, Tom Cranny was killed in a car accident. Sean Jordan,
manager of the Jackpots took over managing the band. In August,
1969, Tina rejoined to front the band alongside lead singer
Danny Francis, however, Danny left the band over the Christmas.

In August, 1971, Alan Cranny
(guitar), Willie O'Hagan (bass) and Mike Quigley (keyboards) left
the band to join John Farrell's new outfit, The Groundhogs.